Way-too-early mock of 2023 NFL Draft fills remaining Broncos needs

So, how do you spend your Sunday? I spent mine contemplating what the Denver Broncos could be looking for in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Yes, there is never a time that’s too early to be thinking about the draft. I’ve seen this team on the field for every practice open to the media this offseason, and I can tell where potential holes will be on the roster for the following season.

I happened to ProFootballNetwork.com and their mock draft simulator as I was casually looking into the upcoming draft class. I have not graded these players for the 2023 NFL Draft, but I like to take a peek at who could potentially be available when the Broncos pick. Many things will change between now and then but knowing what they could need and seeing who could potentially be on the board when they pick is fascinating to me. Thus, my Sunday was busy writing about this.

Spent part of today working through #NFLDraft needs for the #Broncos – Watching this team at OTAs I can see potential holes for next year. It's never too early (for me) to be thinking about the draft! writing this up for https://t.co/M2h3m4vGC0 now @1043TheFan -hat tip to @PFN365 pic.twitter.com/gM2RuIDS4M

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) June 5, 2022

Here are my thoughts about what PFN’s mock draft simulator (with me picking for the Broncos) came up with.

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OT Help (Finally)

My first pick for the Broncos was fairly easy. This team does not have a long-term answer at right tackle, and they did not draft a tackle this year to fix that. In fact, the Broncos haven’t picked an offensive tackle since they selected left tackle Garett Bolles in the first round of the 2017 draft. I correct that situation with the first selection here.

Due to the trade for quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos are not going to have a pick in the first or second round. Unless they trade up in the draft, we will be waiting into Day 2 of the draft before the Broncos pick comes up. If the Broncos make a deep postseason run – or win the Super Bowl – in 2022, then they won’t pick until the very end of the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

I was a bit surprised that Georgia right tackle Warren McClendon was available for the Broncos in the third round using PFN’s mock draft simulator. Again, many things can change between now and then but adding McClendon in this spot would be a good move. McClendon has shown good development over the last couple of seasons starting on the right side of the Georgia offensive line on an offense that runs the ball with great efficiency.

At 300 pounds, some think he’s too small, but he does have the length and strength to play tackle in the NFL. Plus, in the Broncos zone-blocking scheme his weight wouldn’t be an issue because you want lighter linemen who can get out and move.

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CB Situation Changing

The Broncos need help at the cornerback position. They needed it this year, but the team will get one more year from Ronald Darby before likely letting him move on in 2023. They have a budding superstar with Patrick Surtain II and in free agency they snared a damn good slot corner in K’Waun Williams. Darby is the weak spot of the top three corners, and he should be picked on early and often this season.

Next offseason, the team will need to find a replacement for Darby. He’s under contract through 2023, but there is an out in his contract after this season. In 2023, Darby is on the books with a cap hit of $13 million but there is $3 million remaining in dead money. I believe the team will eat that dead money and move on from Darby unless he’s outstanding this year as a starter. I think Darby is solid-yet-unspectacular as a starting option – and he’s never been one to get interceptions, something this Broncos defense should thrive on.

Mekhi Garner (LSU) is a player I got for the Broncos in this mock draft. Now, I love tall cornerbacks and had at least a couple of players on my radar (Tariq Woolen, Jaylen Watson) I thought the Broncos should consider drafting this year. However, Broncos general manager George Paton must not have had those guys too high since he passed on both multiple times in favor of players who some thought would go undrafted (like wide receiver Montrell Washington). I hope Paton likes tall corners because Garner measures in at 6-foot-2.

He transferred from Louisiana to LSU to continue his college career, and Garner does a good job when it comes to dirty work. Some corners shy away from contact and physicality, but Garner does not hesitate when it comes to run defense. So far with the Bayou Bengals, Garner is dominating in spring practices. If he has a great senior season at LSU that could catapult him up draft boards – and perhaps out of the Broncos reach. In this exercise, I thought he was a fine player to pick.

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Young RB Needed

I didn’t want the Broncos to bring back Melvin Gordon this year. I felt Gordon was too expensive to bring back, and the 2022 NFL Draft was chock full of young talent at the running back position. I also want second year back Javonte Williams to be the bellcow back for the team as I feel he’s one of the more naturally talented backs in this NFL. That’s not going to happen with Gordon on the roster.

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos brought Gordon back on a one-year contract. He’ll be working in tandem with Williams, perhaps as the 1B to Williams 1A for the Broncos offense. Hopefully, Gordon doesn’t fumble any games away this year and hopefully he stays healthy and produces as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Get this year done with Gordon, then find more running back help in next year’s draft.

Rasheen Ali (Marshall) could be an option for the Broncos on Day 3 of the draft. He has been dominant for the Thundering Herd, especially when it comes to scoring touchdowns. Just in 2021, Ali had a whopping 25 touchdowns on the season – 23 as a runner, one as a receiver and one as a return man. It’s clear that he’s got a nose for the end zone, and his versatility is something the Broncos could use.

Ali is a rhythm runner who does a good job at cutting with speed. He’s got burst when he gets the handoff, and when he makes a cut, he does not lose any momentum. Ali is not afraid of contact and will lower his shoulder to pick up extra yards. Williams will be in year three next season, and he should have proven to be one of the best starters in the NFL by next season. Ali could come in and help as a backup running back and an option as a return man for the Broncos if they get him on Day 3 of the draft next year.

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